It's easy to take technology for granted -- until something goes wrong with it. Some problems are more disruptive than others, like computer screen performance issues. Screen problems can be particularly frustrating because computer use is an overwhelmingly visual activity, and when the screen doesn't work properly, it can significantly degrade the quality of the user's experience. One fairly common problem is a "shaky" screen appearance, which is generally annoying and can cause headaches and eye strain. Fortunately, even though a variety of sources can cause this problem, the fix is usually simple and quick.

Adjust your computer's display settings. In Windows 8, tap "Search," type "Display" in the search box, tap "Settings" and then tap "Display." Play around with these settings, especially the "Resolution" setting, to see if your adjustments yield any improvements.

Inspect the screen's data and power cables if you use a standalone monitor. Verify firm and secure connections. If anything feels loose, tighten it, and see if this corrects the problem. If you have spare cables, try using one of them to see if it fixes the shakiness.

Turn off other electrical appliances in your home that share the same electrical circuit with your computer or operate within twenty feet of it. Do this one at a time so that you can track down the culprit, if there is one. Some electronics operate on frequencies that interfere with a computer screen's performance and make up some of the most common sources of a shaky screen -- especially if the shakiness is intermittent rather than continuous.

Degauss your computer screen if you use an old-style cathode ray tube monitor. The degaussing process removes built up magnetic charge inside the monitor and can fix a shaky screen once the source of the shakiness is removed. Look for the degaussing controls in the onboard monitor settings. LCD and LED screens use a different technology and do not need degaussing.

Update your video drivers from the manufacturer's website, or roll back any video drivers you recently installed, and reset your computer.

Tip

If none of these steps work, you may have a failing computer screen. Take the opportunity to back up all your critical data before the screen dies completely, and consult with a computer technician.

About the Author

Josh Fredman is a freelance pen-for-hire and Web developer living in Seattle. He attended the University of Washington, studying engineering, and worked in logistics, health care and newspapers before deciding to go to work for himself.